A crowd of more than 5,000 local students and their families, friends and neighbors is expected to gather 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Mountain View High School for the 53rd Los Altos School District Junior Olympics.

Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders from the district’s seven elementary schools compete in an array of sports at the annual games, supported by cheering onlookers.

Events include the 400-meter relay, the 75-yard dash, the 60-yard hurdles, the standing long jump, chin-ups, jump rope, the softball throw and the basketball free throw.

Participants train for several weeks. Athletes can enter up to three events, some of which require tryouts.

The Junior Olympics stresses good sportsmanship and the importance of healthful competition, according to organizers, and encourages participants to strive to perform their best.

The first track event – the 1,320-yard run – is scheduled 8:15 a.m. on the track at Mountain View High, 3535 Truman Ave. The opening ceremony, featuring a parade of participants and school district VIPs entering the track area, follows at approximately 9 a.m.

For more information, email Lori Bogard Toome at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or visit lasdschools.org/District/Portal/Junior-Olympics.